Longitudinal analysis of carotenoid content in preterm human milk.

To describe the variability in carotenoid content of human milk (HM) in mothers of very to extremely low birth weight preterm infants throughout lactation and to explore the relationship between lutein in HM and the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. We recruited healthy mothers along with their preterm infants that were born at gestational age 24 + 2 to 29 + 6 weeks or with a birth weight under 1500 g and were exclusively breastfed HM. Each participant provided up to 7 HM samples (2-10 ml) on day 0-3 and once a week until 6 weeks. Additionally, when possible, a blood sample was collected from the infant at week 6. Concentrations of the major carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene) in all HM and blood samples were assessed and compared. Thirty-nine mother-infant dyads were included and 184 HM samples and 21 plasma samples were provided. Mean lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene concentration decreased as lactation progressed, being at their highest in colostrum samples (156.9 vs. 66.9 vs. 363.9 vs. 426.8 ng/ml, respectively). Lycopene (41%) and beta-carotene (36%) were the predominant carotenoids in colostrum and up to 2 weeks post-delivery. Inversely, the proportion of lutein and zeaxanthin increased with lactation duration to account for 45% of the carotenoids in mature HM. Lutein accounted for 58% of the carotenoids in infant plasma and only 28% in HM. Lutein content of transition and mature HM did not differ between mothers of ROP and non-ROP infants.Conclusion Carotenoid content of HM was dynamic and varied between mothers and as lactation progressed. Infant plasma displayed a distinct distribution of carotenoids from HM.

Fetal and neonatal brain injury in twins complicated by twin anemia polycythemia sequence.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of fetal and neonatal brain lesions and define risk factors for such lesions in pregnancies complicated by Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of monochorionic twin pregnancies which were diagnosed with TAPS in a single tertiary medical center between 2013 and 2021. Pregnancies were followed with fetal brain neurosonogram every 2 weeks and fetal brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) was performed when indicated at 28-32 weeks of gestation; post-natal brain imaging included neonatal brain ultrasound. Pregnancies with pre- and post-natal brain lesions were compared to those without such findings. RESULTS: Overall, 23 monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies were diagnosed with TAPS over the study period resulting in perinatal survival of 91.3% (42/46). In 6/23 (26%) pregnancies and 7/46 (15.2%) fetuses pre- or post-natal brain lesions were detected, of whom five were the polycythemic twins and two were the anemic twins. Brain findings included intra-cerebral hemorrhage and ischemic lesions and were diagnosed prenatally in 6/7 (85.7%) cases. No risk factors for severe brain lesions were identified. CONCLUSIONS: TAPS may place the fetuses and neonates at increased risk for cerebral injuries. Incorporation of fetal brain imaging protocols may enhance precise prenatal diagnosis and allow for accurate parental counseling and post-natal care.

How Long Is Safe? Setting the Cutoff for Uncomplicated Third Stage Length: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the optimal time for manual placental removal in an uncomplicated third stage while taking into consideration the risk for blood transfusion. Risk factors for postpartum blood transfusions were studied. METHODS: Computerized data of all vaginal deliveries at our labor and delivery unit from 2010 to 2014 were obtained. Cases of complete and spontaneous placental separation up to 60 minutes into the third stage of labor were extracted for analysis. Patient demographics, obstetrical history, delivery course, and outcome were assessed as well as blood product requirements during the postpartum period. Receiver-operating curves (ROC) for prediction of blood transfusion during the third stage were calculated and risk factors were assessed. RESULTS: 31,226 vaginal deliveries occurred during the study period and 28,586 deliveries culminated with complete and spontaneous placental separation, 25,160 of which met inclusion criteria. Independent risk factors for blood transfusions were primiparity, longer second and third stage length, labor induction, and maternal intrapartum fever. ROC curves showed that the optimal cutoff for the prediction of blood transfusions was 17 minutes into the third stage of labor. Waiting more than 30 minutes for placental separation increases the risk for blood transfusion more than threefold. CONCLUSIONS: A third stage longer than 17 minutes is associated with an increased risk for blood transfusion postpartum. After more than 30 minutes, the risk for blood transfusions increases more than threefold.

Predelivery sonographic predictors of obstetric anal sphincter injury among nulliparous women.

OBJECTIVE: Data available at admission to delivery of nulliparous has rarely been investigated for prediction of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI). The aim of the present study was to study risk factors for OASI in nulliparous based on information available at admission. METHODS: A retrospective study of all nulliparous women undergoing labor, during March 2011 to January 2021 was performed. We compared women with OASI following delivery to those without by univariate and multivariable regression. RESULTS: A total of 30 262 deliveries were included and 4181 (13.4%) of those were delivered by an emergent cesarean delivery. OASI followed 453 (1.5%) deliveries. Women in the OASI group were younger 29 ± 4.4 versus 30 ± 4.8, P = 0.001. In a multivariable regression analysis, higher sonographic estimated fetal weight was positively associated with OASI occurrence (aOR, 95% CI: 1.13 [1.00-1.29]). Maternal age was inversely associated with OASI occurrence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95 [0.92-0.97]). CONCLUSION: Sonographic fetal weight estimation is an independent risk factor for OASI occurrence that may be available at admission for delivery among nulliparous women.

Time of Birth and the Risk of Adverse Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: To determine whether in a labor floor housed continuously by senior physicians the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcome is affected by time of delivery. Methods: This retrospective cohort study, conducted at a tertiary medical center, assessed singleton term deliveries from 1 January 2011 to 30 January 2020. Participants were categorized based on delivery timing, correlating with nursing shifts, to evaluate perinatal outcomes. The primary endpoint included adverse maternal outcomes such as emergency Cesarean section, anal sphincter injuries, blood product transfusions, and postpartum surgeries (laparotomy/laparoscopy). Secondary outcomes focused on neonatal health indicators, including low Apgar scores, ICU admissions, respiratory issues, extended hospital stays, and neurological complications. Results: 87,863 deliveries were available for analysis with equal distribution during the day. The risk of adverse composite maternal outcome was highest during the evening (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18-1.32) and lowest during the night (aOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-0.99) compared to daytime deliveries. This difference was primarily driven by the highest rate of emergency CD in the evening. Neonatal outcomes were comparable, except for length of stay > 5 days, which was more frequent among newborns delivered during the evening and night shifts compared to the morning shift (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07-1.33 and aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.31, respectively). Conclusions: In term pregnancies, the evening shift is associated with the highest risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes despite physician seniority.

The association between increased subjective sensation of fetal movements and pregnancy outcome-a prospective cohort and a retrospective comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine pregnancy outcomes in women with subjective sensation of increased fetal movements (IFM). METHODS: A prospective cohort study of women after 20 weeks of gestation who were referred with subjective sensation of IFM (April 2018-April 2019) for assessment. Pregnancy outcome was compared to pregnancies with a normal sensation of fetal movements all through pregnancy who underwent obstetrical assessment at term (37-41 weeks of gestation) matched by maternal age and pre-pregnancy BMI in a 1:2 ratio. RESULTS: Overall, out of 28,028 women referred to the maternity ward during the study period, 153 (0.54%) presented due to subjective sensation of IFM. The latter mainly occurred during the 3rd trimester (89.5%). Primiparity was significantly more prevalent in the study group (75.5% vs. 51.5%, p = .002). The study group had increased rates of operative vaginal deliveries and cesarean section (CS) due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate (15.1% vs. 8.7%, p = .048). Multivariate regression analysis showed that IFM was not associated with NRFHR affecting the mode of delivery (OR 1.1, CI 0.55 - 2.19), opposed to other variables such as primiparity (OR 11.08, CI 3.21-38.28) and induction of labor (OR 2.46, CI 1.18-5.15). There were no differences in the rates of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, 5 min Apgar score, birth weight, or rates of large/small for gestational-age newborns. CONCLUSION: Subjective sensation of IFM is not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The Association between Advanced Maternal Age and the Manifestations of Preeclampsia with Severe Features.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the association between advanced maternal age and the clinical manifestations as well as laboratory parameters of preeclampsia with severe features. This study included 452 patients who were diagnosed with preeclampsia with severe features. The clinical and laboratorial characteristics of patients with preeclampsia with severe features aged ≥40 years old (study group) were compared to those of patients aged <40 years old (control group). Multivariant analysis was applied to assess the association between advanced maternal age and the manifestations of preeclampsia with severe features, adjusting for the variables that exhibited significant differences between the study and control groups. The multivariate analysis revealed that a maternal age of ≥40 years old was an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury (OR = 2.5, CI = 1.2-4.9, p = 0.011) and for new-onset postpartum preeclampsia (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.0-5.6, p = 0.046). Conversely, a maternal age ≥ 40 years old was associated with a reduced risk of HELLP syndrome (OR = 0.4, CI = 0.2-0.9, p = 0.018) and thrombocytopenia (OR = 0.5, CI = 0.3-0.9, p = 0.016) compared to that of the patients < 40 years of age. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that maternal age is significantly associated with the clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters of preeclampsia with severe features, highlighting the importance of age-specific management.

Timing of cesarean delivery in women with uncomplicated placenta previa.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal timing of an elective cesarean delivery for uncomplicated placenta previa remains controversial. Although the present guidelines recommend an elective cesarean delivery between 360/7 and 376/7 weeks of gestation, data supporting this recommendation does not differentiate in outcomes between elective and emergent delivery, or between women with and without ante-partum hemorrhage. Recommendations regarding optimal timing of delivery are based on the risks and benefits associated with delivery at a certain gestational week, compared with a reference of 38 weeks. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to assess the maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes associated with elective delivery at different gestational weeks from 360/7 to 386/7 weeks compared with expectant management in women with uncomplicated placenta previa. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary medical center of 251 women with a diagnosis of uncomplicated placenta previa, who delivered between 360/7 and 386/7 weeks of gestation, who delivered at our center between Jan 2011 and Dec 2019. Maternal and neonatal outcomes at each gestational week were compared with expectant management. RESULTS: At 360/7-366/7 weeks, the rate of composite maternal adverse outcome was similar for elective delivery and expectant management (10.5% vs 7.7%, p = .68). Similarly, at 370/7-376/7 the rate of composite maternal adverse outcome was comparable for elective cesarean delivery and expectant management (7.2% vs 6.4%, p = .54). Maternal bleeding was the main indication of an urgent cesarean delivery, and account for 86% of urgent cesarean delivery at 360/7-366/7, 76.4% of urgent cesarean delivery at 370/7-376/7, and for 70.6% of all urgent cesarean delivery at 380/7-386/7 weeks. This group of women who were delivered due to maternal bleeding had a history of maternal bleeding during 2nd and/or 3rd trimester in 75-92.3% of cases. Composite adverse neonatal outcome was similar for elective cesarean delivery at each gestational age compared with expectant management. The risk for lower 5-min APGAR score and hypoglycemia was higher for newborns that were delivered electively a 36th weeks of gestation compared with expectant management. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the optimal time of delivery for women with an uncomplicated placenta previa is between 380/7 and 386/7 weeks of gestation, especially in women without ante-partum bleeding.

A dynamic prediction score for obstetric anal sphincter injury among nulliparous women delivering vaginally.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a risk score for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) occurrence among nulliparous women delivering vaginally, based on data available at admission for delivery and as labor progresses. METHODS: A retrospective study of all nulliparous women who delivered vaginally between March 2011 and January 2021. Characteristics were compared between OASI and no-OASI groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for OASI occurrence. RESULTS: OASI occurred in 453 (1.7%) of 26 081 women who met the inclusion criteria. The following variables were independently associated with OASI: maternal height (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-0.99), hypertensive disorders (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.03-2.95), sonographic fetal weight estimation (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.00), second-stage duration (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.00), occiput posterior position (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.79-4.62), and episiotomy performance (aOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.47-0.84). In a risk score based on variables available at admission for delivery, the presence of two factors was associated with 4.3% OASI risk. Upon incorporating intrapartum variables, the presence of two risk factors was associated with 2.9% OASI rate. CONCLUSION: A dynamic risk score for OASI occurrence based on data available at admission for delivery and as delivery progresses can assist in counseling regarding OASI risk. A dynamic risk score for obstetric anal sphincter injury occurrence based on data available at admission for delivery and intrapartum was developed.

Trial of labor after cesarean in twin gestation with no prior vaginal delivery - evidence from largest cohort reported.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) success rates in twin gestations with no prior vaginal delivery. METHODS: A retrospective study of women with twin gestations who underwent a TOLAC and had no prior vaginal delivery during 2011-2020. TOLAC success and failure groups were compared. RESULTS: Of 675 twin gestations with a history of cesarean delivery and no prior vaginal delivery, 83 (12.3%) elected to undergo a TOLAC and 26 (31.3%) succeeded. Two (7.7%) women delivered by cesarean for the second twin after vaginal delivery of the first twin. Epidural analgesia was positively associated with TOLAC success (odds ratio [OR] 4.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56-11.94, P = 0.004). Uterine rupture occurred in two patients (3.5%) of the TOLAC failure group. The proportion of cases with low Apgar score (<7) at 5 min was higher in the TOLAC success group (4 [15.4%] versus 1 [1.8%]; OR 10.1, 95% CI 1.07-96.22, P = 0.032) and the neonatal composite adverse outcome rate was lower in this group (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.69, P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: TOLAC in women with twins with no prior vaginal delivery is associated with a low success rate. No independent predictors of successful TOLAC were identified.

Maternal-neonatal transfer of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies among parturient women treated with BNT162b2 messenger RNA vaccine during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The exclusion of pregnant women from initial COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine trials raised hesitancy regarding the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women, hence little is known about vaccines' efficacy in this population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the maternal-neonatal transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among vaccinated parturient women. A control group of COVID-19-recovered patients was included to compare the immunoglobulin G levels between vaccinated and recovered patients. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study conducted in a single tertiary medical center in Israel between February and March 2021; parturient women vaccinated with the BNT162b2 messenger RNA vaccine during pregnancy were included and compared with COVID-19-recovered parturient women. SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies were measured in maternal and cord sera, dried blood spot samples taken from newborns, and breast milk samples. The primary aim was to determine whether neonatal cord and dried blood spot samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and to evaluate the transfer ratio, defined as cord blood immunoglobulin G divided by maternal immunoglobulin G levels. RESULTS: The study included 64 vaccinated parturient women and 11 parturient women who had COVID-19 during pregnancy. All maternal blood sera samples and 98.3% of the cord blood sera samples were positive for SARS-Cov-2 immunoglobulin G with median concentrations of 26.1 (interquartile range, 22.0-39.7) and 20.2 (interquartile range, 12.7-29.0), respectively. Similarly, 96.4% of neonatal blood spot samples and all breast milk samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G with median concentrations of 11.0 (interquartile range, 7.2-12.8) and 4.9 (interquartile range, 3.8-6.0), respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between maternal serum levels of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G and cord blood (r=0.483; P=.0001), neonatal blood spot (r=0.515; P=.004), and breast milk levels (r=0.396; P=.005) of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G. The median placental transfer ratio of SARS-COV-2 immunoglobulin G was 0.77. Comparison of vaccinated and recovered COVID-19 patients revealed significantly higher SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G levels in maternal serum and cord blood among vaccinated women (P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the efficient transfer of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G across the placenta in women, vaccinated with the BNT162b2 messenger RNA vaccine during pregnancy, to their neonates, with a positive correlation between maternal serum and cord blood antibody concentrations. In addition to maternal protection against COVID-19, the vaccine may also provide neonatal humoral immunity.

Length of the Second Stage of Labor in Women Delivering Twins.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the length of the second stage of labor in twin deliveries and to compare the length of the second stage in twin and singleton gestations. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study from three large hospitals in Israel. Clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was the length of the second stage (the time from documented 10-cm dilation until spontaneous vaginal delivery of the first twin). Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association of clinical factors with the length of the second stage. The length of the second stage in twin and singleton pregnancies was compared. RESULTS: From 2011 to June, 2020, there were 2,009 twin deliveries and 135,217 singleton deliveries. Of the twin deliveries, 655 (32.6%) of the patients were nulliparous (95th percentile length of the second stage 3 hours and 51 minutes), 1,235 (61.5%) were parous (95th percentile 1 hour 56 minutes), and 119 (5.9%) were grand multiparous (five or more prior deliveries) (95th percentile 1 hour 24 minutes). In women delivering twins, epidural use was associated with a statistically significant increase in the length of the second stage of 40 minutes in nulliparous patients and 15 minutes in parous patients. In all groups, the length of the second stage was longer in patients delivering twins compared with singletons. Second-stage length longer than the 95th percentile in twins was associated with admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and need for phototherapy. CONCLUSION: Second-stage labor is longer in twins than singletons and is associated with obstetric history. Normal ranges for the second stage may be useful in guiding clinical practice.

Perinatal outcomes of pregnancy in the fifth decade and beyond- a comparison of very advanced maternal age groups.

To study the effect of very advanced maternal age on perinatal outcomes. A retrospective cohort study of women aged 45 years and above, who delivered ≥22 weeks of gestation in a single tertiary center between 1/ 2011 and 12/ 2018. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women ≥50 years and women of 45-49 years at delivery. Of 83,661 parturients, 593 (0.7%) were 45-49 years old and 64 (0.07%) were ≥50 years old. Obstetrical characteristics were comparable, though the rate of chronic hypertension and preeclampsia with severe features were greater in women ≥50 years (6.2% vs 1.4%, p = 0.04, 15.6% vs 7.0%, p = 0.01, 95% CI 0.19-0.86, respectively). Elective cesarean deliveries were independently associated with advanced maternal age ≥50 (OR 2.63 95% CI 1.21-5.69). Neonatal outcomes were comparable for singletons, but rates of ventilatory support and composite severe neonatal outcomes were higher in twin pregnancies of women ≥50 years (42.8% vs 13.5%, p = 0.01, and 21.4% vs 4.0%, p = 0.03, respectively). Healthy women ≥50 have higher elective cesarean rates, despite similar maternal and neonatal characteristics.